No images? Click here A message from our Chief Executive, David Holmes CBEWelcome to the Christmas edition of the PAC-UK newsletter. Christmas is traditionally thought of as a time for families to get together and spend quality time together, however I think many of us find it difficult to live up to the ideal of that perfect Christmas that is portrayed in TV adverts and magazine articles. There are always challenges as well as joys at Christmas – will everyone get on with each other, will all the presents be ‘just right’ and will there be enough food to go round? Some people face more serious pressures, such as being able to keep warm and buy enough food for the family over Christmas let alone afford presents. This year Family Action has launched a special series of both light-hearted and serious online advice and blogs to help everyone prepare for Christmas. There can be particular pressures at Christmas time for those affected by adoption - adoptive parents, adopted children and adults, and for birth parents. We hope that the support and advice PAC-UK can offer will help make your family Christmas less pressurised and will give you and your family the chance to enjoy this special time. On behalf of everyone at PAC-UK and Family Action, I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. David Holmes David Holmes CBE David has been CEO of Family Action since 2013 and was previously CEO of the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) from 2006-2013. David has worked in health and social care since 1995, has been a Senior Civil Servant in two Government departments (Health and Education) and a Chief Officer Children’s Services in local government. David was awarded a CBE for Services to Children and Families in the New Year Honours 2014 and won Chief Executive of the Year at the HR Distinction Awards 2016. A message from our Director of PAC-UK, Jan SlaterAs the end of 2019 approaches its always a good time to stop and reflect on the year that is just passing. This year has been momentous for PAC-UK, we have:
Throughout all of this I would like to say a huge thank you to all PAC-UK staff who have continued to work tirelessly, despite all the challenges, to provide high quality services to those who need them - you’re all award winners in your commitment, conviction and patience! Thanks also go to our commissioner colleagues who, throughout the organisational changes taking place, have continued to trust us do everything we can to help all those affected by adoption and permanence. And thanks to all of you receiving our support for letting us know how important and valuable our services are - it’s great to have the positive feedback. May I wish you all a very peaceful and joyful time over the festive season and I look forward to continuing this story next year. Jan Slater Jan Slater PAC-UK TrainingEvery year PAC-UK offers a comprehensive training programme focusing on adoption and permanent placement specific topics. Some of these workshops and seminars are for professionals only, and some are specifically for parents and carers. Public seminars and conferences are open to all parties affected by adoption and permanency, including professionals. Upcoming workshops are listed below: Workshops for Adoptive Parents & Carers
Workshops for Professionals
Public Seminars
PAC-UK guest blogsOur monthly PAC-UK guest blog invites adoptees, birth parents (and relatives), adoptive parents, carers, special guardians and professionals to share their real-life experiences. Our latest two blogs were both published on the PAC-UK website earlier today! Our first December PAC-UK guest blog is from our Leeds Birth Parent & First Family Group, and includes a powerful poem from a long standing group member. Excerpt:
To read the full blog, please click here or click on the blue button link at the bottom of this section. Our second December PAC-UK guest blog is from Niki Winterson (Adopted ID), and is called 'Love'. Excerpt:
To read the full blog, please click here or click on the blue button link at the bottom of this section. December and New Year opening timesOur Liverpool, Leeds and London offices and Advice Lines are closed between Wednesday 25 December 2019 and Wednesday 1 January 2020. Normal opening times will resume from Thursday 2 January 2020 for all PAC-UK offices and Advice Lines. Family Action's FamilyLine is open throughout the festive period (crisis line only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day).
Samaritans and ChildLine are both open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you need any support. |